In 2008 the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded a grant of nearly £800,000 to Dudley Council to enhance Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve (NNR) for its project, Ripples Through Time.
The plans included providing viewing access to the well known Seven Sisters limestone mine which has been closed to the public for the past seven years. There was also a focus for providing enhanced access, education and interpretation of the National Nature Reserve as well as developing opportunities for training and volunteering.
As a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), Dudley Council and its partners were delighted that the Ripples through Time project ensures the vision for Wren’s Nest becomes a reality.
In the Summer of 2010, many of the physical works were undertaken, and these included improvements to entrances, regrading of the main path to the Seven Sisters mine area, replacement of steps and fencing and the creation of a new accessible route around the reserve. In addition, access to the principal scheduled ancient monument feature of the nature reserve, the Seven Sisters mine was once again createdm where two new viewing areas have been created.
During 2011, the final elements of the physicals works have been undertaken - the installation of the new interpretation features throughout the site and the new waymarkers, guiding visitors on four new themed walks.
All of these physical improvements are supported by a number of events and activities for all ages. For more information on events and activities happening on site, visit the events website
Through the plans, visitors will be able to interpret and learn about the site and how 420 million years of geology led to the Black Country becoming the ‘workshop of the world’.
